Zion Williamson remains one of the most fascinating yet enigmatic stars in the NBA. When healthy, he is a dominant force in the paint, nearly impossible to stop without forming a wall of defenders. However, his availability has always been the biggest concern.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN’s Hoops Collective podcast recently shed light on Zion’s situation, explaining that his return to form was always about restoring his market value—either for the Pelicans or for a future trade.
“I remember Bobby and I wrote a story just before Zion’s return, discussing what might come next for him—his trade value and market potential. Someone told us then that the goal was to ramp him up and restore his value, whether for the Pelicans or another team. To his credit, he’s handling that first part well. Some teams would have significant interest.”
Despite his immense talent, injuries and conditioning issues have hampered his ability to consistently be on the floor. Now, with the New Orleans Pelicans struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, trade speculation is heating up as teams start preparing for a potential pursuit of Williamson this summer.
This season, Zion is averaging 24.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting an elite 56.3% from the field. He has played in 28 games and is logging 28.5 minutes per contest, a promising sign after years of injuries.
Last season, he played 70 games, the most of his career, which was a positive step toward shedding his reputation as an unreliable star. However, New Orleans’ 18-49 record (14th in the West) has raised questions about whether the franchise should build around him or move in a different direction.
New Orleans has faced a disastrous season, with injuries to key players like Zion himself, newly acquired Dejounte Murray, and former Pelican Brandon Ingram, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier in the season. The Pelicans’ struggles could force them into making major roster decisions, including potentially moving Zion.
Williamson is still in the early stages of his five-year, $197 million contract, which runs through 2028. However, his deal is structured uniquely—it is not fully guaranteed for the 2025-26 season unless he meets specific conditions regarding weight, games played, and overall health. If he fails to meet these benchmarks, his contract could be voided, making him more attractive to potential trade partners.
Several franchises could be interested in acquiring Zion, particularly teams looking for a franchise-altering talent. There is no denying that Zion Williamson is one of the most dominant interior scorers in the league.
When he plays, he is virtually unguardable in the paint. Whether it’s LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or any other elite defender, no one can truly contain him one-on-one. His explosiveness and efficiency make him a generational talent—but he must stay on the court.
For Zion, this summer could be pivotal. If he remains healthy and productive, his trade value will skyrocket. If the Pelicans decide to move on, there will be no shortage of suitors willing to take a chance on his immense upside. However, if his health continues to be a question mark, teams may hesitate to invest in him long-term.
The next few months will determine if Zion is still the future of the Pelicans—or if his future lies elsewhere in the NBA.
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